Attorneys Protecting Whistleblowers Who Expose Medicare And Medicaid Fraud
Medicare and Medicaid fraud involve dishonest practices aimed at obtaining unwarranted payments from government health care programs. Such fraudulent activities drain vital resources, steal money from taxpayers and compromise the integrity of health care services.
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing these illegal activities. By coming forward with information, they help protect public funds and ensure that health care resources are used for their intended purposes.
Our attorneys at Fischer Legal Group are seasoned litigators dedicated to exposing Medicare and Medicaid fraud and protecting whistleblowers. The majority of these cases involve fraud perpetrated by health care professionals and businesses, and the whistleblowers we represent are typically employees putting their jobs and careers at risk in order to do what’s right. When you come forward, our attorneys will support you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and fighting for just compensation for the personal risks and sacrifices you have made.
How Widespread Is Fraud Against Government Health Care Programs?
Did you know that even Russian and Nigerian mob bosses are getting in on U.S. Medicare and Medicaid fraud? It’s true. No one knows for certain the exact amount of fraud occurring in these systems – fraud is seldom obvious – but some observers estimate that Uncle Sam’s pocket is picked to the tune of over $1 billion every year.
Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Takes Many Forms
Our health care fraud attorneys at Fischer Legal Group have an in-depth knowledge of the many methods dishonest providers use to cheat the system, including:
- Medicaid/Medicare fraudulent billing
- Double billing for goods or services
- Billing for treatments not provided
- Upcoding or improper coding
- Kickbacks
- Billing for “phantom patients”
- Billing for more hours than there are in a day
- Bundling and unbundling
- Misrepresentation of patient data
- Misrepresentation of credentials
- Self-referrals
- Best price cases
- Best value cases
- Off-label marketing
- Concealing ownership in a related company
- Behavioral or mental health fraud
- Pharmacy and pharmaceuticals fraud
- Home attendant, home health and personal care fraud
- Transport and ambulance fraud
Medicare fraud whistleblower litigation is often complex, requiring detailed investigation, evidence gathering and consultation with expert witnesses. Our attorneys have earned a reputation as tenacious courtroom litigators with a strong track record of success. When you hire our firm, you can be sure that your case is in good hands.
Be Ready To Recognize And Respond To Health Care Fraud
Many of those who work in health care develop a sense of when something doesn’t seem right. If you have reason to believe that your employer or coworkers are committing any of the frauds detailed above, you should trust your instincts and dig deeper.
Here’s how you can help build a case:
- Keep records: Save all related documents, such as bills, receipts and correspondence.
- Take notes: Write down dates, names and details of any suspicious activities.
- Photocopy evidence: If possible, make copies of documents that seem fraudulent.
- Organize your information: Keep everything in a secure and organized manner for easy access.
You have the right to report suspected fraud anonymously. You can do this by contacting the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or using online platforms dedicated to whistleblowing. Anonymity can protect you from potential retaliation.
If you want to take more direct action or need further guidance, contact an experienced health care fraud lawyer like those at our firm. They can guide you through the process of reporting fraud, ensuring that your rights are protected. To safeguard your career and your ability to claim compensation for your work, it is important to take your concerns directly to a Medicare fraud attorney and avoid discussing the case publicly or privately with others.
Want To Be A Whistleblower? The Law Is On Your Side.
The government takes the issue of fraud very seriously, and legislators have enacted protections and incentives for whistleblowers, including:
The False Claims Act: This is a powerful tool in the fight against fraud, particularly in government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This federal law allows individuals to sue on behalf of the government if they have evidence of someone making false claims to obtain government funds. If a company is defrauding the government, we can help you stop it by bringing a case under the False Claims Act.
Qui tam provisions: A key component of the False Claims Act is qui tam provisions. They allow private individuals, often called “relators,” to file lawsuits on behalf of the government. If you decide to take this step, you can play a direct role in exposing fraud, and you may be able to share in any financial recovery the government makes, which can sometimes be substantial.
The Whistleblower Protection Act: This law is designed to safeguard individuals who report misconduct from retaliation. If you decide to report Medicare or Medicaid fraud, the law protects you from being fired, demoted or facing any other form of workplace retaliation. Knowing that the law is on your side can provide peace of mind as you decide to take action.
Significant Compensation Is Available To Medicaid And Medicare Fraud Whistleblowers
If you are contemplating filing a health care fraud complaint against your current or former employer, it is a very daunting prospect. It means reporting on your employer, your partners, your colleagues, and your very livelihood.
The good news is that you are not alone. The system has provided an incentive for people willing to step forward and say no to taxpayer rip-offs.
If you report fraud involving Medicare or Medicaid, you could be eligible for financial rewards. The False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to receive a portion of the funds recovered if their information leads to a successful case. This reward generally ranges from 15% to 30% of the total recovered amount, which can be substantial in cases of large-scale fraud.
Additionally, some states have their own laws similar to the federal False Claims Act, offering further incentives. These material benefits are certainly not the only reason to report fraud, but they make it easier and safer for individuals to do the hard work of being a whistleblower.
Reach Out Today For A Confidential Consultation On Your Claim
Are you ready to fight back against Medicare and Medicaid fraud? Talk to our attorneys at Fischer Legal Group in a confidential consultation. Our lawyers will get you through this complex and frightening process. You will arrive on the other side feeling you did the right thing and that you benefited from your own courageous action.
Together, we will walk you through the steps of a qui tam case and advise you on the strength of your complaint. To get started, call our New York office today at 212-577-9231. If you prefer, email us describing your situation.